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NATIVE AMERICANS IN PHILANTHROPY

nonprofit

The mission of Native Americans in Philanthropy is to advance philanthropic practices grounded in Native values and traditions.

The NAP board of directors approved a new strategic plan in April 2009, which has a revised mission statement: The mission of Native Americans in Philanthropy is to advance philanthropic practices grounded in Native values and traditions.

4) Communicate the stories of Native philanthropy to Native and non-Natives in the philanthropic sectors;

5) Develop NAP’s role as a research and knowledge broker;

6) Elevate our human resources capacity at the board and staff levels; and

7) Solidify our national role in the development of Native philanthropic leadership.

Native Americans in Philanthropy is very well positioned to capitalize on the wave of growth and progress of the past year. Members are engaged and supportive of the organization, as evidenced by steady rates of membership and attendance at events, positive feedback, and endorsement of organizational by-laws changes. A new website with interactive functionality will allow NAP to better engage members over time.

While the organization continues to explore its role in developing and supporting a national Native leadership network, we are concentrating efforts in geographic regions such as the Upper Plains, Southwest and elsewhere and coordinating issue focus synergy. These regional “hubs” of Native philanthropy will leverage and intensify existing efforts in promoting collaboration, networking, capacity building, leadership development and strategic investment among a range of Native and non-Native stakeholders. Furthermore, Native Americans in Philanthropy will continue building bridges of understanding between Native communities and donors.

Aside from efforts with regional grantmaking associations in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, the partnership with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has enabled Native Americans in Philanthropy to bridge both tribal and non-tribal donors in ways that can promote mutually beneficial learning and respect. Finally, we look forward to continued preparations to celebrate Native Americans in Philanthropy’s 20th Anniversary in 2010/11. The organization will work with our sisters and brothers at Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy to honor and celebrate giving in cultural communities, while commemorating our own coming of age and progress in supporting stronger, sustainable Native American communities.